Salutations to those in northwest Wisconsin and northern Minnesota! It seems Mother Nature has a little surprise up her sleeve. Although you may be thinking of cleaning the grill and organizing some outside activities, the National Weather Service has other plans for your area: a winter weather alert has been issued.
That is to say, winter is still not quite ready to give up the ghost, even though May has arrived. A sudden snowfall and treacherous conditions underfoot are predicted by forecasters. While it won’t be a snowstorm or anything extreme, it will be enough to dampen any outdoor plans and serve as a reminder that winter may still make an unexpected appearance in the spring.
What, then, ought you to anticipate? Though the specifics are still a little hazy, experts are predicting a few inches of snowfall. Though it may not be enough to build a snowman, it will certainly make driving a bit more difficult. If you must travel, be careful to drive slowly and give yourself additional room from other vehicles, since roads may get slick and visibility may be reduced.
Though not a big storm, this serves as a helpful reminder that winter weather may be erratic. The truth is that issues may arise with even a little snow and ice. Accidents can happen, and people may be caught off guard. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to be ready.
As such, you can:
- Check the outlook: Keep up-to-date with the most recent weather forecasts. You can track things using a variety of weather applications and websites.
- Set up your vehicle: Verify the tread on and the inflation of your tires. Just to be cautious, consider putting on snow tires. Stow in your trunk a winter survival pack with a first-aid kit, blankets, a flashlight, and some food.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Be not deceived by the springtime sun! If you plan to stay outside for any length of time, pack an additional layer or two.
- Being a decent neighbor Help someone you see battling in the snow. Perhaps help them remove their vehicle or shovel their driveway. When cold weather strikes unexpectedly, a tiny act of compassion goes a long way.
- Recall that this is only a passing blip in the springtime temperature. However, it’s a great opportunity to focus on safety and hone our winter readiness abilities. Stay warm and safe as you enjoy the (hopefully brief) return of winter!
Extra Pointers
- Should the weather make travel difficult, stock up on some basics and food.
- Should you have any outside plans, be adaptable and have a fallback in case you have to remain inside.
- Profit from the unexpected chill! Snuggle up with a nice book, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take in the coziness.